Arizona Coyotes sign Devan Dubnyk, Joe Vitale, Dylan Reese

Team loses backup goaltender Thomas Greiss to Penguins

Pittsburgh Penguins center Joe Vitale (46) waits for the puck drop on a face-off against the Montreal Canadiens during the first period at the CONSOL Energy Center. on Feb. 27, 2014.(Photo: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports)

The Coyotes certainly weren't idle on Day 1 of the NHL's free agent signing period, but all of their acquisitions were footnotes compared to the power moves made by their Western Conference rivals.

The Central Division, in particular, loaded up on some of the headliners of the free agent class, and the instant boost to those clubs overshadowed the fact that the Coyotes actually managed to find what they were seeking.

"This was pretty much what we hoped to get accomplished," General Manager Don Maloney said.

The Coyotes weren't expected to make a pricey addition, and the money handed out to what was considered a weak free agent pool was somewhat startling. More than $490 million was spent Tuesday, and the West landed some of the most appealing names.

The Stars, who finished only two points ahead of the Coyotes last season, immediately improved by acquiring center Jason Spezza via trade and also signing winger Ales Hemsky. The Wild added winger Thomas Vanek, winger Jarome Iginla chose the Avalanche and center Brad Richards found a new home with the Blackhawks.

And the Blues lured in prized center Paul Stastny.

"It wasn't the most joy I've had in my life watching some of the players get signed in the West," Maloney said. "It just makes it that much more challenging to find a way to compete out here."

These moves, however, didn't force Maloney to stray from his to-do list. He had been in talks with Dubnyk's camp since last week and although the 28-year-old is coming off a tumultuous year that saw him lose the starting job with the Oilers, get traded twice and close out the season in the minors, the Coyotes are confident the guidance of goalie coach Sean Burke can key a resurgence for the 6-foot-6 netminder.

"The help he's given Mike Smith is pretty noticeable," Dubnyk said. "So it was definitely a big selling point."

Last season, Dubnyk went 11-18-3 with a 3.43 goals-against average and .891 save percentage. The former first-round draft pick - he was taken 14th overall by the Oilers in 2004 - is 61-77-22 in his career with a 2.90 goals-against average and .909 save percentage.

"I don't think anybody would argue he had a tough season last year but when we look at his body of work, his history, he has been a No.1 goalie in this league," Maloney said. "The number of other goalies we were looking at in this price range had flashes of NHL play. We just thought with our system, having a sort of breath of fresh air, with Sean's tutelage, we can get him back to where his career is on track and provide very good support for Mike Smith."

The Coyotes were never close to re-signing last year's backup Thomas Greiss, who took a one-year, $1 million deal with the Penguins.

"The biggest deciding factor was the chance to play more," Greiss said.

Despite fielding interest from a number of teams, winger Radim Vrbata went unsigned and Maloney remains in talks with Vrbata's camp although previously categorizing a return as unlikely. Minor-leaguer Andy Miele joined the Red Wings organization.

With Vitale, the Coyotes have a fourth-line center who's responsible in his own end and adept at faceoffs. In 53 games with the Penguins last season, Vitale had a goal and 13 assists and won 62.5 percent of draws. "I play a fast game," he said. "I play with pace. I play with a little bit of an edge."

As for their depth signings, Bolduc rejoins the team after leaving last year to play for the Blues organization. He adds size up the middle.

Hodgman is another centerman and after playing in the Kontinental Hockey League the past three seasons, Maloney hopes he'll compete for a roster spot.

Reese was with the team's American Hockey League affiliate 2007-2009, is a strong penalty killer and could be a captain in Portland, Maloney said.

Campbell is a defenseman with size and muscle, and Maloney believes all four will see playing time with the Coyotes next season.

McKenna is an experienced AHL goalie who Maloney hopes challenges the likes of Mark Visentin, Louie Domingue and Mike Lee.

"That was as much sending a message to our other young goalies that we need you to be better or somebody else is going to get the ice time," he said.

The Coyotes still have two-to-three forward spots to fill on their NHL roster and although they're adamant about letting young players come in and win jobs, Maloney would consider a proven player either via free agency or trade.

Another scoring threat could help the Coyotes keep pace with the others in West but if that doesn't happen, Maloney is hoping a mix that's committed to coach Dave Tippett's style delivers.

"If we have the right chemistry, we'll be able to stay around games," he said, "and hopefully win enough games to get to the playoffs."